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Chinatown (R, 1974)

common sense media says

Great hardboiled detective film. Not for kids.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film focuses on corruption within the government. The film presents many instances of mild violence (fistfights, gunplay, murdered bodies, etc.) and a more disturbingly violent onscreen killing of a major character. Parents should note that characters with whom viewers place emotional investment meet extremely unfortunate demises. The film also includes some sexually suggestive materials (post-coitus conversation, dirty jokes, implications of incest, etc.).

Positive messages: While the main character is theoretically on the side of good, he too breaks rules to attain what he desires. The majority of the characters are liars, thugs, or otherwise criminals.
Violence: Includes off-screen drowning, a graphic on-screen murder, gunplay, a graphic cutting, slapping of a woman, and some extended fistfights.
Sex: Two sexually suggestive photos, a suggestive joke, a couple in bed together (after off-screen sex), implication of incest, very minor female nudity (in profile).
Language: Some strong profanity.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A bit of social drinking .
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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether a grey area exists between right and wrong (the violent police, the crooked government, and the antihero detective). Did Evelyn Mulwray's abusive relationship with her father excuse her actions at the end of the film? How does Jake break his cardinal rule in his dealings with Evelyn, and how does that comment on his character? This film also lends itself to discussions about cinematic style (excellent harshly shadowed lighting) and issues of genre. How does the type of storytelling present in this film compare to current trends in television detective shows such as Law and Order and C.S.I.?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Ex-cop Jack Giddes (Jack Nicholson), carries on a lucrative detective business -- at least until a woman seeks information about her philandering husband. In his attempt to prove the husband's affair, Jack finds himself entangled in a deadly game with the Los Angeles police department, the local government, and a beautiful femme fatale (Faye Dunaway). Someone is siphoning water from the local supply, much to the dismay of the local farmers. Ultimately, Jack must uncover the trail of corruption and deceit to save his own hide (and nose).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Roman Polanski's CHINATOWN is a visually lavish trip back into the hardboiled detective genre. The gorgeous costumes and harsh lighting help to capture the seediness lurking behind legitimate society in 1930s Los Angeles. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences recognized the film with Oscar nominations in major performance, design, and technical categories. Robert Towne (Shampoo, Mission: Impossible) ultimately brought home the Academy Award for his original screenplay. (The writing process had been a contentious one, as Towne had originally planned for a happy ending.) The film was intended to be the first of a trilogy, about the water company, gas company, and a freeway project respectively. Ultimately, only one sequel (The Two Jakes) found its way into production; Nicholson would go on to direct and star in that film.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: Roman Polanski
Cast: Faye Dunaway, Jack Nicholson, John Huston
Genre: Drama
Run time: 131 minutes
Theatrical release: January 1, 1974
DVD release: November 23, 1999
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: adult language, brief nudity, and violence.
This review was written by Kelly Kessler
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Captain_Tripps
adult
 
Terrific Film
Nicholson is excellent in this classic, and although it's not for kids older teens may enjoy it. I certainly did.
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Scream
kid, 12 years old
14
 
Contains Jack Nicholson + Roman Polanski.
Good movie. 14 year olds can watch it alone.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (5)
thebaloob123
teen, 17 years old
 
Excellent Film...
This is a great film for a great director and it stars one of the greatest actors of all time. I think that this film is like an 11+ the swearing is not a problem there is one F-Word...maybe 2, I saw it a year ago. But anyway, you hear worst language in a parking lot. The violence is infrequent but quite graphic, the climax shows a very realistic shooting victem (missing an eye, and covered in fresh blood) which is only made so much more disturbing by the character's child's tramatized (and maybe tramatizing) screams at their parent dead body, I don't belive in cencorship but I would say if you or you're child has lost a parent you might want to avoid the movie, the great perfomances make it all much more scary. The sexual themes are not a problem, a quick veiw of a breast and implied sex. The film may not be good for a few sensitive kids or teens but it such a good film, that any aspiring film maker should see it.
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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